Calling All Sugar Junkies!

Many people are starting to get a better grasp over the high fat foods that are out there and are starting to avoid eating them for both their weight and health’s sake.
Much discussion has been made in the media about the harmful effects of trans fats on the body and as such, health conscious individuals are becoming very aware of which foods contain trans fats and which ones don’t.
Unfortunately, fat content is not all you need to be watching with the foods you’re eating. Many popular food picks are surprisingly loaded with sugar as well.
You definitely can help reduce the sugar content in your diet by eliminating candy, soda, and packaged ‘fruit-snack’ type products, but if you aren’t aware of how hidden sugars are sneaking into your diet, you might just find that you’re taking in a lot more than you’d like.
The following are some hidden high sugar foods and some healthy replacement options! Enjoy!

CULPRIT: BAGELS
Bagels are a terrific option for those looking for a dense form of carbohydrate, but the average variety packs 9 grams of sugar per bagel. While this may work if you’re using it as a post-workout meal, any other time during the day you want to try and maintain a steadier level of energy. By taking in high doses of sugar drastic energy highs and then a drastic drop and with it, an energy low.
SWAP OUT: Instead opt for plain whole wheat, as this should help keep the sugar to a lower level.

CULPRIT: KETCHUP
Ketchup is probably one of the most popular condiments consumed. It goes well with so many different foods and is very cost effective. The problem with ketchup though is that it does contain a fair amount of sugar. At 4 grams per tablespoon, if you add 2-3 tablespoons to your place without really realizing it, you’ve just eaten the equivalent sugar content as what’s found in half a can of soda.
SWAP OUT: Instead of flavoring your food with ketchup, try Walden Farms Barbecue Sauce. Considering it’s both calorie and sugar free, it is the perfect option for those who are really trying to stick with their diet.

CULPRIT: MARINARA SAUCE
Many people choose to use pasta as their solid post-workout meal. Filled with plenty of carbohydrates to help refill muscle glycogen stores, you really can’t go wrong. If you choose to use Marinara Sauce though, you need to be aware that this contains 11 grams of sugar per half a cup you use.
SWAP OUT: Stewed tomatoes taste fantastic with a bit of Stevia sprinkled over them. I absolutely love the fresh appeal of using these on healthy pizza as well.

CULPRIT: CEREAL
Whole grain cereal is a quick and easy choice to start your day with but Bran Flakes, which many people think are a very healthy option, aren’t quite as good as you may think. Each 3/4 cup serving contains 6 grams of sugar. While this isn’t as high as some of the other sweetened cereals out there, it’s still more sugar than someone who is trying to maximize fat loss needs.
SWAP OUT: For a better option consider Dymatize’s Elite High-Protein cereal. While it does still contain some sugar in comparative levels to that of Bran Flakes, it also contains a much higher dose of protein which will offset the effects of sugar alone.

CULPRIT: NUTRI GRAIN BARS
When you’re running short on time and you need a quick, transportable snack, do you opt for a Nutri-Grain bar? Available in a wide variety of fruit flavors, these are a favorite among many. Unfortunately, they also contain 11 grams of sugars! Considering they only contain 130 calories, this is almost the same value that you would see if you were to eat a chocolate bar!
SWAP OUT: Instead of keeping these at your desk at work, consider the EAS Carb Control Bars. Available in 6 different flavors, they only contain 2 grams of sugar and also have 17 grams of protein to boot! Um, they also taste great!